Come with us to Mexico, 9-nights, 10-days, February 11-20, 2026
Back by popular demand! I never knew that visiting the Monarch butterflies in Mexico should have been on my bucket list until I got there. Tucked into the mountainous forests of Michoacan and Estado de Mexico is the terminus of the butterfly migration from North America where the noble Monarchs winter and reproduce. The experience is mystical, magical, life-affirming, and memorable. I’ve always felt that being here is one of those moments that inspire and validate our existence on the planet and gives us pause to appreciate the constant cycle of nature at its most magnificent. As the Monarch butterfly population decreases and there is worry about protection, don’t delay if this is something you always wanted to do!
But this is not all! After visiting the butterflies, we travel to the magical craft and folk-art towns of Michoacan: Patzcuaro and the indigenous Purepecha towns surrounding Lake Patzcuaro, plus Ahuiran, Santa Clara del Cobre, and Paracho. We meet with famous artisans and those off-the-beaten path whose work is recognized by Fundacion Banamex in their book, Grand Masters of Mexican Folk Art . We meet weavers, potters, embroiderers, mask-makers, coppersmiths. We explore in safety and security, led by a local guide whom we know very well. We NEVER take you into any locations that are dangerous or threatening.
This tour is limited to 14 travelers. We have five single rooms and four shared rooms available.
Our journey takes us to Estado de Mexico and Michoacán where we embark on an outdoor expedition to visit the sanctuaries of the majestic Monarch butterfly. We end this tour in Patzcuaro, a colonial city awarded with the recognition of Pueblo Magico. Here we spend some days to learn about the strategic location next to the lake and the different oficios (artisan wares) in some of the towns neighborhing such as, copper, wood, ceramics and textiles.
Preliminary Itinerary
Wednesday, February 11: Arrive in Mexico City. Gather for a NO-HOST dinner. Meals included: none. Overnight in Mexico City.
Thursday, February 12: Breakfast, welcome and orientation. After breakfast, depart to the butterfly sanctuary with stop at Zirahuato archeological site. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch. Overnight in Zitacuaro.
Saturday, Friday, February 13: Visit El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch. Overnight in Zitacuaro.
Sunday, February 14: Visit a second butterfly sanctuary. You may choose to ride a horse if you like. In the afternoon, we depart for Patzcuaro and check in to our cozy hotel. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch. Overnight in Patzcuaro.
Monday, February 15: After breakfast, enjoy an orientation to Patzcuaro with a walking tour of local galleries and markets, led by a good friend of our who has lived in the town for years. Afternoopn on your own. Meals included: Breakfast. Overnight in Patzcuaro
Tuesday, February 16: After breakfast, we travel to Santa Clara del Cobre where artisans make hand-hammered copper pieces. Then on to Cuanajo where we will meet a family of weavers who work on back strap loom the technique of warp faced weaving. Then we make a stop in Tupataro where we learn more about the history of the Patzcuaro and visit some of the most amazing frescos on the ceiling of this small, historical church. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch. Overnight Patzcuaro.
Wednesday, February 17: This is a long day around Lake Patzcuaro to artisan villages. Our first stop is in Tucuaro we visit a master woodcarver who makes the carnival mask for the celebrations of Lent and Easter. In Santa Fe la Laguna, we will learn about the lake and its importance to the surrounding towns including Patzuaro. There we visit famed potter Nicolas Fabian Fermin. Further on, we meet the cooperative organized by Teofila Servin in Zintzuntzan, where we learn about the fine satin stitch embroidery depicting village traditions in scenes on multi-colored fabric. Then we learn about the chuspata fiber used to weave utilitarian pieces such as rugs, mats and even living rooms! In town, we visit a family of potters that specializes in high temperature ceramic pieces. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch. Overnight in Patzcuaro.
Thursday, February 18: Our first stop is in Ahuiran, where we meet a family of shawl weavers who use cotton and rayon threads to create cloth on backstrap looms. These shawls have amazing, knotted fringes and the weavers use feathers woven into the cloth to decorate them. Next, we travel to Paracho where we learn about the tradition of handmade guitars. This town inspired the guitar for Coco (Disney Pixar 2017 movie). Our last stop is in Aranza to visit with a family that we think may weave the finest clothes in Mexico. They work with one-ply very thin100% cotton to make blouses and shawls with a special technique on a back strap loom that we can only describe as being like lace. But the cloth is woven by hand picking and twisting the warp threads to create this effect. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
Friday, February 19: This is a leisurely day on your own after breakfast to meander Patzcuaro streets, pack, and do any last-minute shopping. We then meet for a Grand Finale Dinner to celebrate our time together and memories made. Meals included: Breakfast and dinner. Overnight in Patzcuaro.
Saturday, February 20: Departure. We will help schedule shared van cost from Patzcuaro to Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City. If you plan to visit other Mexican towns, the hotel can also help you make taxi arrangements.
Note: Schedule is preliminary and is subject to change throughout our tour, depending on artisan availability, etc.
What is included?
9 nights lodging at top-rated hotels
9 breakfasts
7 lunches
Grand Finale Gala Dinner
Museum and entry fees
Luxury van transportation
Complete guide and translation services
The tour does NOT include airfare, taxes, tips, travel insurance, liquor or alcoholic beverages, some meals, and local transportation as specified in the itinerary. We reserve the right to substitute instructors and alter the program as needed.
Cost • $3,795 double room with private bath (sleeps 2) • $4,595 single room with private bath (sleeps 1)
Reservations and Cancellations. A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to guarantee your spot. The balance is due in two equal payments. The second payment of 50% of the balance is due on or before August 1, 2025. The third 50% payment of the balance is due on or before November 1, 2025. We accept payment using Zelle (no fees) or credit card (+4% service fee). We will send you an invoice when you tell us you are ready to register. After November 1, 2025, there are no refunds. If you cancel on or before November 1, 2025, we will refund 50% of your deposit received to date less the $500 non-refundable reservation deposit. After that, there are no refunds.
If we cancel for whatever reason, you receive a 100% refund of all amounts received to date, less the non-refundable deposit.
All documentation for plane reservations, required travel insurance, and personal health issues must be received 45 days before the program starts or we reserve the right to cancel your registration without reimbursement.
NOTE: All travelers are encouraged to be up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations. We suggest you also wear KN-95 face masks on airplanes and in crowded areas, use hand-sanitizer, and bring COVID test kits.
How to Register: First, complete the Registration Form and send it to us. We will then send you an invoice to make your reservation deposit. Please tell us which payment method you prefer and how your account is registered (email or phone number).
To Register, Policies, Procedures & Cancellations–Please Read
Terrain, Walking and Group Courtesy: The butterfly sanctuary is at 10,000 feet altitude. To get there, one must ascend a steep pathway or ride a horse to the destination. Generally, the altitude is 5,000 to 7,000 feet in the various locations we will visit. Streets and sidewalks in colonial towns are cobblestones, and narrow. We will do a lot of walking. We will walk a lot — up to 10,000 steps per day at a moderate pace. We recommend you bring a walking stick and wear sturdy shoes.
NOTE: If you have mobility issues or health/breathing impediments, please consider that this may not be the program for you.
Traveling with a small group has its advantages, and also means that independent travelers will need to make accommodations to group needs and schedule. We include plenty of free time to go off on your own if you wish.
